Every Day is Magic: Ada Limón
In her 2015 collection, Bright Dead Things, a National Book Award finalist for poetry, Ada Limón writes of moving to Kentucky: “Confession: I did not want to live here.” It’s perhaps not a surprising sentiment coming from a coastally oriented person who was raised in Northern California, attended college in Seattle, and then spent over a decade in New York City.
But Limón and her husband, Lucas, have been in Lexington for seven years now and the effects of settling into this place are noticeable in her new book, The Carrying (Milkweed, Aug.). It’s a phenomenally lively and attentive collection replete with the trappings of living a little closer to nature. While Bright Dead Things is marked by a preponderance of light, such as images of fireflies and neon signs, The Carrying features numerous appearances by various trees, birds, and beetles. Limón also demonstrates a greater willingness to be explicit in naming colors, particularly green. “It’s crazy green, the whole book,” she says. “Lexington is the greenest place I’ve ever lived.” Similarly, where in Bright Dead Things, Limón tells a lot of stories and anecdotes, in The Carrying she is very present in her thoughts and experiences.
As it turns out, these shifts in focus have another, altogether unexpected source. While putting Bright Dead Things together, Limón was diagnosed with chronic vestibular neuronitis, which can cause bouts of vertigo. “If I’m really having vertigo, it’s pretty intense and I really have to focus,”
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SWE’s Second Virtual Event in Mexico: Fostering Women’s Professional Development
“SWE Mexico held a “Strengthening the Network” virtual event series which took place on 14, 21, and 28 Sept. 2023, consisting of two-hour sessions each day. A testament to the growth of networking in Mexico, there were 577 registrants from industries all over Latin America.
Five companies participated in the event: Cummins, PepsiCo, John Deere, Honeywell, and ABB. Two leading universities, La Salle University and UACJ (Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juarez), also participated. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about SWE, create connections, acquire significant knowledge and share experiences across various STEM fields with fellow Spanish-speaking participants…”
https://alltogether.swe.org/2024/01/swe-mexico-virtual-event/
Mexican American family launches food truck in Lewisville
“…Sol Muniz and his wife, Karla Delgado, opened La Callejera food truck on Thanksgiving Day. “We figured what better way to give thanks than to work on the opening of our food truck. We actually had a good day,” Muniz said.
The family moved to the Triad from Palm Springs last June to be closer to Delgado’s mother and stepfather. “We wanted to give our kids a better life, better schooling,” Muniz said.
“California had gotten so expensive,” Delgado said. “And my mom was always saying, ‘You should move here and get a food trailer’ – so we did!”…
Former San Clemente Columnist Remembered for Political Activism, Valuing Connections
“On Saturday, Jan. 6, family and friends gathered in Downey to celebrate the life of Herman Sillas Jr., a man of many talents who impacted numerous fields, particularly Mexican American activism, during his professional career.
Among his accomplishments, Sillas authored a long-running column in the San Clemente Sun Post News, titled View from the Pier, and a book called View from the Pier: Stories from San Clemente, in addition to many poems. He later wrote View from the Pier for the SC Times…”
World US, Mexico agree to strengthen efforts to curb record migration
“…Following a visit to Mexico by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the countries said they would seek to strengthen a sponsorship initiative for Venezuelan, Cuban, Nicaraguan and Haitian migrants and look to tackle the root causes of migration…”
https://www.reuters.com/world/us-mexico-keep-border-crossings-open-lopez-obrador-says-2023-12-28/
Biden, Mexico’s president agree more border enforcement needed
“MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON, Dec 21 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden and his Mexican counterpart agreed during a call on Thursday that more enforcement at the border between their countries is needed, the White House said, as record numbers of people trying to cross have disrupted trade.
Top U.S. officials – including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Homeland Security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall – will travel to Mexico in coming days to meet with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on the issue, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said in a briefing with reporters…”
https://www.reuters.com/world/mexican-president-speak-biden-thursday-migration-eyed-2023-12-21/
Texas’ new border law will hurt children and taxpayers, experts say
“…Abbott is spending millions on the border in the name of public safety, but there has been little impact on drug flow or crime rates, wrote Democratic El Paso County Commissioner David Stout. The new law will require Texan taxpayers to fund expansive new criminal infrastructure to account for the estimated 88,000 additional arrests per year, Stout explained, costing at least $162 million in El Paso County alone. Texas should instead focus on “investing in immigrants, and in the trade and cultural exchange opportunities,” Stout suggested, citing studies showing that both documented and undocumented immigrants contribute to lower rates of crime and higher rates of entrepreneurship than native-born Texans…”
https://www.semafor.com/article/12/19/2023/texas-migrant-sb4-law-impact-children-taxpayers
A Philly dance group is helping Mexican American children connect to their roots
“Andrea Garcia was a professional folklore dancer in her native Mexico. But, after moving to Philly in 2016, she became a domestic worker. As a way to help her three kids connect with their Mexican identity and take a break from electronics, she cocreated Ñuuxakun in 2021. The dance group offers a bilingual and bicultural experience for kids in South Philadelphia, and has developed a following over the last year, with several forthcoming holiday performances…”
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-dance-group-nuuxakun-20231216.html
US-Mexico wall is making rare species more vulnerable to climate change and drought, experts warn
“…A metal fence rises nine metres at the southern edge of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, a 47,000-hectare home for threatened and endangered plants and animals in Arizona.
The barrier marks the end of the US, but not the end of the habitat for dozens of species, including American antelope, mule deer, lynx, mountain lions and jaguars…”
Opinion My Trump interview had a purpose: Giving Latinos a chance to hear him
“Nov. 9, Televisa-Univision, the Spanish-language broadcast giant, aired an hour-long prime-time special featuring my interview with former president Donald Trump. The conversation was the first in 22 years of a current or former Republican president on the network. After days in the headlines, reactions to the interview took a turn straying far from a genuine engagement with its content and instead mirroring broader political divisions. As I watched the reaction unfold, I became concerned by the troubling innuendo in this criticism…”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/13/trump-televisa-univision-interview/
Increasing Cultural Sensitivity for Employees Moving to Mexico
“As one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing Latin American countries, Mexico is an attractive proposition for many companies looking to expand their operations. Furthermore, the nation’s capital, Mexico City, is a highly desirable place for expats, boasting a relatively low cost of living, favorable weather, amazing access to Mexican cuisine and Mexican art, as well as the intangible cultural heritage the city offers.
If you are an employee moving to Mexico, you probably have many questions about Mexican culture and Mexican society, as well as what your new professional life may be like once you relocate. Having a decent understanding of the various norms and practices that are part of Mexican life—especially in the corporate sector and in Mexican cities—can help you get ahead as you establish your new career path abroad.
Read on to learn about important points of Mexican culture and identity that may be useful during your time working in Mexico…”
https://newlandchase.com/increasing-cultural-sensitivity-for-employees-moving-to-mexico/
Mexican law enforcement visits Montgomery to learn about US judicial system
“MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A group of law enforcement experts from Mexico were in Montgomery Thursday to learn more about how the United States judicial system works.
Nearly 40 prosecutors, forensic analysts and investigators got to watch court proceedings and ask questions.
This program was through the bipartisan Attorney General Alliance partnership…”
9 Best Places to Retire in Mexico, According to Real Estate Experts
“While Mexico — with its picture-perfect beaches, lush mountains, fascinating culture, world-class cuisine, and friendly people — remains one of the most popular tourist destinations for Americans, the country is also emerging as a retirement haven.
“According to social security data, the number of American retirees in Mexico has nearly doubled since 2016, up from 36,000 to 62,000 retirees in 2023,” said Chet Kittleson, co-founder and CEO of Far Homes, an online marketplace for international real estate. “These folks are drawn to the quality of life, incredible weather, beautiful beaches, lower cost of living, more affordable health care, and the list goes on.” American seniors can save, on average, $44,144 per year, including $8,000 or more on health care alone, if they move to Mexico, Far Homes’ data shows…”
https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-retire-in-mexico-8410786
Compendium on Chicano poet laureate Juan Felipe Herrera strikes gold
“For fans of Juan Felipe Herrera, the praise rings true — the famed Chicano writer and poet laureate is as versatile and experimental as he is resourceful and prolific. Despite his popularity and renown, however, an anthology of critical essays on the significance of his work had yet to exist.
To fill that void, UC Santa Barbara Professor Emeritus Francisco Lomelí and Osiris Aníbal Gómez, PhD ’20, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, co-edited a wide-ranging book on Herrera’s 50 year career. Their effort, “Juan Felipe Herrera: Migrant, Activist, Poet Laureate” (University of Arizona Press, 2023) recently won an International Latino Book Awards gold medal…”
https://news.ucsb.edu/2023/021277/compendium-chicano-poet-laureate-juan-felipe-herrera-strikes-gold
Thunderbird at ASU announces regional Center of Excellence in Mexico
“November 29, 2023
In a move that signaled a significant step forward in its commitment to fostering innovation and global, digital leadership in Latin America, the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, in partnership with Cintana Education and the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG), has announced a new regional Center of Excellence in Mexico…”
Mexican Journalist Granted US Asylum After 15-Year Journey
“Washington —
Emilio Gutierrez Soto came to the National Press Club on Wednesday with a message of gratitude. Press freedom advocates came with a call to action.
The 60-year-old journalist fled with his son to the U.S.-Mexico border in 2008 seeking asylum after receiving death threats because of his reporting on Mexican military corruption.
After 15 years, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled in favor of Gutierrez Soto.
He still needs to go in front of an immigration judge in March 2024 to receive his asylum papers, but his immigration lawyer said his case has been resolved…”
https://www.voanews.com/a/mexican-journalist-granted-us-asylum-after-15-year-journey/7379094.html
Critics say Texas immigration bill will lead to racial profiling
“Texas Republicans have upped the ante in their effort to control the southern border, sending Gov. Greg Abbott a bill that gives local police authority over immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: Critics of the legislation say it is unconstitutional and will lead to racial profiling.
- Legal experts argue it violates long-standing Supreme Court precedent and goes far beyond Arizona’s divisive Senate Bill 1070, partially struck down by the high court.
Driving the news: Abbott made the issue a priority, calling lawmakers back for a fourth special session to send a bill to his desk…”
https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/texas-immigration-bill-sb-1070-mexico-border
Table of Experts: The vital role of the Native American business community in New Mexico’s economy
‘Will Martinez, president and publisher of Albuquerque Business First, and Kamal Ali, president of PNC Bank, sat down with other business leaders for a discussion centered on the vital role of the Native American business community in New Mexico’s economy. The dialogue aimed to empower and support Native American entrepreneurs and promote economic growth within their communities. Panelists were Mike Canfield, president and CEO of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center; Monica Jojola, president Montech Inc.; and Tina Archuleta, owner of Itality…”
UCLA Spanish course explores culture through sensory experience
“…Cohen, a continuing lecturer in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, said he created the course Spanish M172XP: “Topics in Community Engagement: Cine Vivo: Community-Engaged Sensory Ethnography” to teach students about topics in community engagement, specifically within the field of sensory ethnography.
Sensory ethnography is the study of cultural and social interactions often through visual media to capture sensory data including sight, touch, smell, taste and sound. Throughout the quarter, students form groups to create a film project capturing the images and sounds of the human experience in Latino communities in Los Angeles…”
https://dailybruin.com/2023/11/24/ucla-spanish-course-explores-culture-through-sensory-experience
Mexican Americans Face Higher Odds for Liver Cancer With Each New Generation
- “Mexican-Americans born and raised in the United States have higher odds for liver cancer than those born in Mexico
- This uptick in risk is increasing with each successive generation, new research shows
- Lifestyle factors — obesity, drinking, smoking — are partly to blame, but other issues may play a role…”
- https://www.healthday.com/health-news/cancer/mexican-americans-face-higher-odds-for-liver-cancer-with-each-new-generation
UK DMA student elevating opportunities for Mexican, Mexican American compose
“LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2023) — Juan Saldivar Jr., D.M.A. student in the University of Kentucky School of Music, is elevating opportunities for Mexican and Mexican American composers through a new initiative.
Saldivar, a native of border town Laredo, Texas, co-founded the trombone duo, Border Bones, with friend Alex Lopez Velarde, principal trombonist of the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Mexico. Through Border Bones, Saldivar and Velarde aim to increase trombone duet repertoire from rising marginalized and underrepresented composers…”
